Boron Main story
The Boron Main story is the largest single arc in vanilla X4 — story_boron.xml at 1,588,659 bytes (~1.6MB). The arc spans 10 chapters (Ch0-Ch9) taking the player from a Teladi-mediated entry through the gates, through exploration of Boron home space, to the climactic encounter with the Boron Queen and the post-Queen Khaak assault.
- Script:
story_boron.xml - DLC: Kingdom End
- Chapters: Ch0 (gate approach) → Ch1 (exploration) → Ch2 (mediation) → Ch3 (Khaak threat) → Ch4 (asteroid bombs) → Ch5 (regroup + Kingdom End gate) → Ch6 (sub-missions) → Ch7 (Boron Queen) → Ch8 (Khaak Assault + Boron Carrier combat) → Ch9 (late exploration)
Story characters anchored
Section titled “Story characters anchored”The Main story sets up these characters at Setup phase:
- Alliance Leader (ALI) — main contact, drives Ch0-Ch5 dialog
- Nila — Boron companion NPC, key in Ch2-Ch5
- LedaWe — Story-specific Boron, multi-chapter conversations
- Boron Queen — Ch7 climax NPC
- Mission Specialist — logistics support
- Boron Herald 1 & 2 — court ceremonial
- Boron Announcer — court ceremonial
- Boron Scientist — research dialogue
- Bar Witness — Ch6 side content
- Paranid Emissary — diplomatic
- Numanckaret — Ch7 named captain
Chapter 0 — Initial gate approach
Section titled “Chapter 0 — Initial gate approach”Player encounters the Alliance Leader and learns about Boron return.
Missions
Section titled “Missions”| Cue | What player encounters |
|---|---|
Ch0_ALILeaderConversation | Initial conversation with Alliance Leader |
Ch0_DisplayCutscene | Cinematic intro |
Ch0_Approach_Gate_Ref (LIB_Generic.ApproachObject_Handler) | Gate approach detection |
Ch0_WaitForFullscreen (3s) | Wait for cinematic-ready state |
Where: Watchful Gaze (cluster_601_sector001) — sector adjacent to gate
NPCs: Alliance Leader (ALI)
Chains to: Chapter 1 setup
Chapter 1 — Exploration
Section titled “Chapter 1 — Exploration”The largest setup phase. Player explores Boron space, finds wrecks, encounters Nila.
Mission entry: “Boron Space Exploration”
Section titled “Mission entry: “Boron Space Exploration””- Cue:
Ch1_Exploration(v2) +Ch1_ExplorationSetup(v2) - In-game name: Explore Boron home space
- Path/Chapter: Boron Ch1 (main)
- Find in game: Active after Ch0 conclusion
- Prerequisites: Ch0 complete
- What player encounters:
- Long-Range Scan (LRS) tutorial:
Ch1_Player_LRS_Hint— hints player to use LRS
- Watchful Gaze proximity check:
Ch1_PlayerIn_WatchfulGazeCheck— detect player presence
- Multiple gates to approach (
Ch1_Approaching_Gate_Ref) - Field of exploration narrowing:
Ch1_Narrow_FieldOfExploration_Triggers(10s interval)Ch1_FurtherNarrowing(3s) — progressive narrowing as player explores
- Initial sector check:
Ch1_InitialSectorCheck_v2 - Talk to Boso Ta to unlock research:
Ch1_TalkToBoso_ToUnlockResearch(5s polling) - Wreck encounter:
Ch1_Proximitycheck(2s) — proximity to wreckCh1_Wreck_Check_Distance(1s)Ch1_Wreck_CheckForSpaceSuit(1s) — check if player should EVACh1_AbandonedShipComment— comment when player approaches abandoned ship
- Nila proximity (
Ch1_Nila_InCloseProximity_v2, 3s) — Nila approaches player - Alliance Leader idle dialogue (
Ch1_AllianceLeaderIdleLines) — ambient - Objective guidance:
Ch1_ResetObjectiveGuidance— reset on wrong-direction - Move forward with encounter (
Ch1_MoveForwardWithEncounter, 5s) — progresses arc
- Long-Range Scan (LRS) tutorial:
- Where: Boron home space — multiple sectors (Watchful Gaze → Barren Shores → Great Reef)
- NPCs involved: Alliance Leader (ambient), Nila (proximity), Boso Ta (research)
- Reward: Boron territory revealed; Nila companion unlocked; research dialogues with Boso Ta
- Chains to: Chapter 2 — Mediation
- Code reference:
story_boron.xmlCh1_Explorationblock
Mod conflict risks
Section titled “Mod conflict risks”- ❌ Mods that disable Long-Range Scan break Ch1 LRS hint
- ❌ Mods that affect
ApproachObject_Handleraffect proximity checks - ❌ Mods that despawn Nila lock Chapter 1 from progressing
- ❌ Mods that block sectors
cluster_601-606prevent exploration - ⚠ Mods that change spacesuit / EVA mechanics affect wreck encounter
- ⚠ Mods that bulk-add ambient dialog may collide with idle lines
Chapter 2 — Mediation
Section titled “Chapter 2 — Mediation”Player mediates between Alliance leadership and Boron Queen representatives. Heavy NPC conversation chapter.
Missions in Ch2
Section titled “Missions in Ch2”| Cue | What it covers |
|---|---|
Ch2_DisplayCutscene | Cinematic intro |
Ch2_AdministrationShipSetup | Spawn admin ship |
Ch2_AllianceLeaderConversation | Alliance dialog |
Ch2_LedaWeConversation | LedaWe dialog |
Ch2_NilaConversation | Nila dialog |
Ch2_Conversations | Multi-character conversation orchestration |
Ch2_NilaInitialDockedCheck | Check Nila is docked |
Ch2_NilaSpeakInNewRoom | Dialogue in new dock room |
Ch2_PlayerLeftDock | Player exit detection |
Ch2_NilaGoodbye | Nila farewell |
Ch2_Mediation | Mediation mechanic |
Ch2_CutsceneTrigger | Cutscene firing |
Ch2_Retrieved | Story progression marker |
Where: Multi-sector administration ship + dock
NPCs: Alliance Leader, LedaWe, Nila
Reward: Mediation outcome; Chapter 3 unlocked
Chains to: Chapter 3 — Khaak threat
Chapter 3 — Khaak threat
Section titled “Chapter 3 — Khaak threat”Khaak incursion into Boron space. Player must defeat them.
Mission entry: “Khaak Threat Response”
Section titled “Mission entry: “Khaak Threat Response””- Cue:
Ch3_ActivateKhaak,Ch3_CheckForKhaakPresence,Ch3_DamageTrigger - In-game name: Investigate + repel Khaak incursion
- Path/Chapter: Boron Ch3 (main)
- Find in game: Active after Ch2 mediation
- Prerequisites: Ch2 complete
- What player encounters:
- Khaak ships spawn (
Ch3_ActivateKhaak) - Periodic Khaak presence check (
Ch3_CheckForKhaakPresence) - Damage trigger (
Ch3_DamageTrigger) — if player takes damage, story branches - Scan mode mechanics:
Ch3_AlreadyInScanMode— player already scanningCh3_ChangedToScanMode— player switches to scanCh3_ChangedFromScanMode— player exits scan modeCh3_ScanModeHint— hint to switch
- Nav beacon drop:
Ch3_NavBeaconDropped,Ch3_DestroyNavBeacon(objective) - Nila arrival:
Ch3_NilaArrivedAtTarget - Alliance Leader + LedaWe conversations (
Ch3_AllianceLeaderConversation,Ch3_LedaWeConversation)
- Khaak ships spawn (
- Where: Boron sector with Khaak incursion
- NPCs involved: Alliance Leader, LedaWe, Nila, Khaak
- Reward: Khaak repelled; story progresses
- Chains to: Chapter 4
- Code reference:
story_boron.xmlCh3_*block
Mod conflict risks
Section titled “Mod conflict risks”- ❌ Mods that make Khaak non-hostile break the entire chapter
- ❌ Mods that disable scan-mode break scan mode mechanics
- ⚠ Khaak-rebalance mods affect difficulty
Chapter 4 — Asteroid bombs
Section titled “Chapter 4 — Asteroid bombs”Player handles asteroid-bomb threat. Critical sequence with Ch4_PlayerPickedUpBombs and Ch4_WaresDestroyed.
Missions
Section titled “Missions”| Cue | What it covers |
|---|---|
Ch4_DisplayCutscene | Chapter intro cutscene |
Ch4_AsteroidDistanceCheck | Distance from asteroid hazard |
Ch4_InShipTest | Test player in ship |
Ch4_PlayerPickedUpBombs | Player collected bomb items |
Ch4_WaresDestroyed | Bombs destroyed condition |
Ch4_AllianceLeaderConversation | Alliance dialog |
Ch4_LedaWeConversation | LedaWe dialog |
Ch4_NilaConversation | Nila dialog |
Ch4_Completed | Chapter conclusion |
Where: Asteroid field sector
Reward: Bombs handled; Chapter 5 unlocked
Chains to: Chapter 5 — Regroup
Chapter 5 — Regroup + Kingdom End gate
Section titled “Chapter 5 — Regroup + Kingdom End gate”Player regroups with allies and approaches the Kingdom End sector gate.
Missions
Section titled “Missions”| Cue | What it covers |
|---|---|
Ch5_Cutscene / Ch5_DisplayCutscene | Chapter cutscenes |
Ch5_Regroup | Regroup objective |
Ch5_PlayerRegrouped | Regroup completed condition |
Ch5_KhaakSpawn / Ch5_KhaakAttack | Mid-chapter Khaak attack |
Ch5_InstantiatedGlowActivation | Activate visual glow effect |
Ch5_KingdomEndGateComment | Commentary about reaching gate |
Ch5_AllianceLeaderConversation | Alliance dialog |
Ch5_BoronHeraldConversation | First Boron Herald appearance |
Ch5_LedaWeConversation | LedaWe dialog |
Ch5_WarpALIShip | Warp ALI ship to next location |
Ch5_Completed | Chapter conclusion |
Where: Multi-sector — final regroup → Kingdom End approach
NPCs: Alliance Leader, LedaWe, Boron Herald (first appearance)
Reward: Kingdom End gate reachable; Chapter 6 unlocked
Chains to: Chapter 6 — Sub-missions
Chapter 6 — Sub-missions
Section titled “Chapter 6 — Sub-missions”Multi-task chapter. Player completes various sub-objectives in Boron court / Kingdom End sectors.
Missions
Section titled “Missions”| Cue | What it covers |
|---|---|
Ch6_DisplayCutscene | Chapter intro |
Ch6_Tasks | Task orchestration |
Ch6_SubMissionFinished | Sub-mission completion handler |
Ch6_Finished | Chapter conclusion |
Ch6_Comms_WrapUp_Boso_Timer (30s) | Boso Ta wrap-up timer |
Ch6_Comms_WrapUp_Nila_Timer (30s) | Nila wrap-up timer |
Where: Multi-sector across Kingdom End I (cluster_606_sector001), Reflecting Stars, Towering Wave
NPCs: Boso Ta, Nila, court NPCs
Cleanup: Cleanup_Ch6_4_Trigger (v2) — special cleanup for Ch6 phase 4
Chains to: Chapter 7 — Boron Queen
Chapter 7 — The Boron Queen
Section titled “Chapter 7 — The Boron Queen”The climactic chapter. Player meets the Boron Queen. Sanctuary of Darkness culmination.
Mission entry: “Meet the Boron Queen”
Section titled “Mission entry: “Meet the Boron Queen””- Cue:
Ch7_*block includingCh7_Queen_Idle,Ch7_Nila_Approach_Ref, etc. - In-game name: Court audience with the Boron Queen
- Path/Chapter: Boron Ch7 (climax)
- Find in game: After Ch6 complete + return to court
- Prerequisites: Ch6 sub-missions complete
- What player encounters:
- Boron Queen Transport Ship sequence (
Cleanup_Ch7_BoronQueenTransportShip) - Idle NPC presence at court:
Ch7_Idle_Numanckaret— Numanckaret idleCh7_Idle_Herald1,Ch7_Idle_Herald2— HeraldsCh7_Announcer_Idle— AnnouncerCh7_Queen_Idle— Queen idleCh7_Idle_Nila— Nila idle
- Nila approach (
Ch7_Nila_Approach_Ref) - Final court audience
- Boron Queen Transport Ship sequence (
- Where: Sanctuary of Darkness (
cluster_605_sector001) — Boron court - NPCs involved: Boron Queen, Nila, Numanckaret, Heralds, Announcer
- Reward: Story climax; main arc concludes; Epilogue unlocks
- Chains to: Epilogue (Kingdom End gate opening)
- Code reference:
story_boron.xmlCh7_*block
Mod conflict risks
Section titled “Mod conflict risks”- ❌ Mods that disable Boron Queen NPC prevent climax
- ❌ Mods that change Sanctuary of Darkness sector break ceremonial location
- ❌ Mods that fill all NPC slots at the court starve Queen / Herald / Announcer spawns
- ⚠ Boron-relation mods affect court tone
Chapter 8 — Khaak Assault Mission
Section titled “Chapter 8 — Khaak Assault Mission”Post-Queen Khaak threat resolution. Player commands a Boron carrier in major combat operation.
Missions
Section titled “Missions”| Cue | What it covers |
|---|---|
Ch8_BriefingStarted / Ch8_BriefingStopped | Ch8 briefing |
Ch8_DisplayCutscene | Chapter intro |
Ch8_AssaultMissionKhaakShips | Khaak target ships |
Ch8_AssaultMissionKhaakSquadList | Khaak squadron list |
Ch8_Carrier_Combat | Main carrier combat |
Ch8_BoronCarrierLoadout | Boron carrier loadout |
Ch8_BoronRespawnFighterLoadout | Respawn fighter loadout |
Ch8_BoronTaxiLoadout | Boron taxi loadout |
Ch8_Automatic_Khaak_Removal_* | Auto-remove Khaak past distance/hull thresholds |
Ch8_AutomaticKhaakRemovalGroup_* | Group-based Khaak removal |
Ch8_Automatic_Repairs (+ _Set_Hull, _Ship_Landed) | Auto-repair player carrier |
Ch8_Automatic_Respawn_* | Auto-respawn lost ships |
Ch8_Emergency_Taxi (+ _Arrived) | Emergency taxi extraction |
Ch8_Cleanup (+ _InvulnerableShips_Destroyed, _Player_Property_Left_Carrier) | Chapter cleanup |
Ch8_DespawnSectorGate | Despawn gate when complete |
Ch8_DespawnStation_S / Ch8_DespawnStation_XL | Despawn temporary stations |
What player does
Section titled “What player does”- Receive Ch8 briefing
- Take command of a Boron carrier (with predefined loadouts)
- Conduct large-scale combat operation against Khaak squadrons
- Use auto-repair + auto-respawn systems (heavy auto-help — this is end-game cinematic combat, not balance-tuned)
- Coordinate fighter wings + taxis
- Auto-cleanup at chapter end
Mod conflict risks — Chapter 8
Section titled “Mod conflict risks — Chapter 8”- ❌ Mods that change Boron carrier macros / loadouts break combat configuration
- ❌ Mods that disable Khaak hostility make combat trivial
- ❌ Mods that affect auto-repair / auto-respawn affect intended pacing
- ⚠ Mods that fill Boron ship macros otherwise may collide with loadout assignments
Chapter 9 — Late Exploration
Section titled “Chapter 9 — Late Exploration”Single-cue chapter (Ch9_ExploringS) — final exploration sequence in late-game Boron sectors. Closes the arc.
Cleanup mechanics
Section titled “Cleanup mechanics”The arc has dedicated cleanup cues for graceful arc shutdown:
Cleanup_Ch6_4_Trigger— Ch6 phase 4 cleanupCleanup_Ch7_Delayed— delayed Ch7 cleanupCleanup_Ch7_Interiors— interior despawnCleanup_Ch7_NPCs— NPC despawn (including Boron Queen Transport Ship)
These trigger on arc-complete or save-load if state is mid-Ch7.
Setup_Rewards
Section titled “Setup_Rewards”The arc has dedicated Setup_Rewards cue (“vars for better overview and easier adjustment”) — all reward values are centralized here, making mod rebalances straightforward.
QueendomLostSpace
Section titled “QueendomLostSpace”The setup includes Setup_QueendomLostSpace_* cues for territorial state management — the Boron Queendom has been historically lost; the arc handles re-establishing it via storystate flags.
Path completion summary
Section titled “Path completion summary”A completed Boron Main story yields:
- Boron home space player-recognized
- Boron Queen acknowledged
- Nila as ally (possibly anchored)
- Boron faction relations boosted significantly
- Kingdom End gate opens (transitions to Epilogue)
- Story state: Boron arc concluded
Code references
Section titled “Code references”| Concern | Key cues |
|---|---|
| Setup characters | Setup_Characters block |
| Reward configuration | Setup_Rewards (centralized) |
| Sector references | Setup_Locations (v3) |
| Sanctuary of Darkness | Setup_SanctuaryOfDarkness (v2) |
| Queen Transport Ship | Cleanup_Ch7_BoronQueenTransportShip |
| Cleanup mechanics | Cleanup_Ch6_4_* + Cleanup_Ch7_* |
| Story state checks | Start.$Page (page 30224 or similar for Boron text page) |
Related
Section titled “Related”- Boron arcs overview
- Prelude — preceding arc
- Epilogue — following arc
- Game starts catalog — gs_boron1, gs_boron2
The Boron Main story is X4’s most ambitious narrative — 1.6MB of MD code, 8 chapters, 11+ persistent characters. A serious mod compatibility audit requires playing through it at least once with your mod active.